Having decided to buy a chain, a man or woman needs to know how to choose the size of a men's neck chain. It is important to choose the length that would help the chain decorate a man, and not just talk about his financial condition.
Today we will talk about the features of men's jewelry. Let's find out what their sizes are. Let's see how to independently determine the length of the accessory. Let's pay attention to tips that will help you choose a quality model.
Men's chain - an attractive decoration
So, more details. A man's chain as a clear evidence of financial security, as thick as a finger - this is, as they say, a thing of the past. Modern businessmen and business people give their preference to accessories that are not at all flashy and pretentious. Today, the market offers a wide variety of simple, but at the same time stylish and original jewelry.
Men's chains occupy a special place in jewelry production. Many famous world designers are working on the development of their forms. Sometimes you have to work hard on this activity. But in the end, the strong half of humanity gets the opportunity to purchase attractive and reliable products.
Clasp type
Due to a poor-quality lock, there is a risk of losing your jewelry. Therefore, when choosing an expensive accessory, you should pay attention to the type of clasp, especially if a man leads an active and mobile lifestyle.
Types of fasteners for men's chains:
- springel;
- carbine;
- box lock.
Spring locks are typical for thin gold chains, so they are extremely rare on men's chains. They have a low degree of reliability and durability. Therefore, the spring lock will break within a year after purchasing the jewelry if, while wearing it, the clasp is often unfastened and fastened.
Carbine locks are stronger than spring locks, but they are also not suitable for massive products. Carabiners can firmly hold light to medium weight men's chains. But with intensive use, they will still fail.
Box locks have a high degree of reliability and durability. Since such a lock does not contain springs, but consists of a single piece of metal, it does not break or wear out. But such locks are installed only on jewelry of medium and heavy weight.
It will be much easier to choose a suitable chain for a man if he himself takes part in this. But when you plan to present the jewelry as a gift, you will have to handle it yourself, following the recommendations.
The main thing is to be guided not only by appearance, but also by quality characteristics.
A man's style consists of many elements, of which the most important cannot be singled out. Without any of them - hairstyle, wardrobe, accessories, jewelry - those around you will feel like they are missing something important. Of course, there is a foundation without which you can’t go anywhere. These are clothes, shoes and hats. Other elements add zest, status, and emphasize individual character traits or appearance.
Almost every man wears a chain as jewelry or a symbol of wealth. Choosing an accessory is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Ideally, the appearance of the product and the way it lies on the skin should be pleasing. The chain should not introduce dissonance into the image. Let's consider a few nuances:
- Accessories should match the style and color of your wardrobe, jewelry and other accessories. If you wear leather clothes with steel-colored elements, then a thick gold chain will not harmonize with the look;
- The thickness of the model should be selected based on the constitution of the body. For some, a thick men's chain around the neck is suitable, while for others, wearing thin, elegant items is recommended. Decoration needs to be measured. Once you put on the chain, you will immediately understand whether it fits or not. And those around you will immediately notice the discrepancy;
ADVICE. The shorter the chain, the more visible it is. There are both pros and cons to this. This way you can show off the combination of your jewelry with the overall style and show off the product. But at the same time, this arrangement of the chain will draw attention to the neck and collarbones. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin in the neckline of a shirt or T-shirt.
- The length of the model depends on your body structure and your preferences. For massive men with pumped necks, chains 60-75 centimeters long are ideal. It is best for thin and short people to wear jewelry no longer than 50 centimeters. Of course, if you are not hiding a super amulet under your clothes =)
- If you prefer to wear a shirt or T-shirt unbuttoned with 3-4 buttons, then you can wear medium-length models or two chains: a short thick one and a thin long one;
- The material is of great importance. In order to look stylish and courageous, it is not necessary to “hang” hundreds of grams of precious metals on yourself. Men's chains made of surgical steel perfectly highlight the positive aspects, fit almost any style and are much cheaper than gold ones. Titanium accessories look elegant and unusual. They are not that common, so you are guaranteed interested looks. Do not forget that steel is stronger than gold or silver and is less susceptible to aggressive substances;
- Weaving plays an important role. And the point is not only in the beauty of the decoration, but also in the fact that simple weaves are easier to repair after a break or crease. It is worth choosing chains with weaving for men. Externally, such models are simpler, rougher and more brutal;
- Pay attention to the locking mechanism. Be sure to check the functionality of the lock.
And that's not all. Each of us is very individual. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice of accessories individually. It’s great if you can afford several chains - one for going out, one for everyday wear, and a few more that you can match with different clothes. If there is a strict dress code at work, then you can choose convenience as a criterion or not wear jewelry.
Let's look at the choice of chain in more detail:
- Length of chains around the neck. If your clothing size is 44-46, then the optimal length would be up to 45 centimeters. Such models are perfect for those who wear a neck-length chain along with a pendant. For sizes 48-52, it is better to choose jewelry up to 45 centimeters long. Products with a length of 50-55 centimeters are considered basic and are suitable for most men with different body types. Over 55 centimeters can be afforded by large, pumped up or overweight people. Or rather, such chains look better on them than on thin and small ones;
- Weaving chains for men. Here you should rely on your own taste, but models that have large links of hand weaving are considered traditional for men - Bismarck, armored, anchor, Python. A set of bracelet and chain made in the same weave looks good;
- Thickness and weight. When purchasing an accessory, think about your body type or learn more about the person you are going to give it to. For athletes and men with a large build, we recommend thick models with large links. The best option is one-piece products. They have no voids and are resistant to stretching and twisting. Here it is worth remembering that gold alloys are stronger than silver products. But the most durable products are made from jewelry or medical steel;
- Chains with a cross or pendant. Pendants are worn on chains, which should weigh approximately twice as much as a pendant or cross. Do not buy “blown” products - they may wear out when they come into contact with the pendant. Pendants made of gold are worn on the same chain, silver ones on a silver one. Typically, models with anchor or armor weaving are used to wear a cross. The length of such a chain is 55-60 centimeters;
- Clasp. When trying on an accessory, pay attention to how the locking mechanism works. It should open with some effort. This means that the spring is not designed and the lock is securely locked. The carabiners are slightly larger than a link, but should fit through the suspension mount.
This is approximately how you need to choose a chain. There are two things left to say. Precious metals are of course cool, status and all that. But men's chains made of steel will allow you to create a style that, if you use gold, you won't have enough money :) By the way, if business style is closer, here is an article for you.
You rarely meet a person who has no taste at all. Therefore, our advice is to trust yourself, your feelings and desires. And everything will work out for you. Good luck!
Durability and design
Men, compared to women, lead a more mobile and active lifestyle. It is a fact. That’s why a man’s chain must be very strong. These accessories look quite impressive. They represent an intricacy of a large number of strong links. Decoration clasps are usually massive and tight.
The design of the chains is usually quite strict. They look impressive and voluminous. Young guys prefer chains of medium length and thickness. Older men wear flat, wide accessories that emphasize life experience, status and taste. Elderly people use chains to wear crosses, amulets or talismans.
Product weight and thickness
The size and weight of a neck chain for an adult depend largely on the method of weaving and the links. On sale you can find thicknesses from 2 to 20 mm. But according to prevailing stereotypes, the standard width of men's accessories should be at least 4 mm.
Standard thickness:
- From 2-3mm - simple weaving with thin links;
- From 4-5 mm is an average thickness that can withstand the weight of a gold pendant on a chain.
- From 5-20 mm - thick chains with a complex pattern and large links.
If you plan to wear it with a pendant or cross, please note that the weight should be twice as much as the pendants.
Otherwise, the chain may break under the weight, which will lead to additional expenses for repairing the gold accessory.
Due to the large thickness, the weight can reach 50-60 grams, although this is not the limit. For a person who has not worn massive jewelry around his neck, they may seem uncomfortable. But over time, the feeling of inconvenience will disappear, and the accessory will become part of its owner.
What are they?
Men wear chains not only on their necks, but also on their hands. Both options are equally popular.
Typically, such products for men are used as independent decoration or together with a pendant. Most often, the chain has large decorative weaving. In addition, there are models that complement various inserts, for example, stones or pearls. It is also worth noting that such chains are most often hollow. They look more voluminous, but at the same time have little weight.
There are also stylish web chains or plaits. They are suitable for young men and are almost invisible on the neck. Products that are too long can be tied into a knot at the bottom if necessary.
If we talk about hand chains, they usually have a rather simple appearance. At the same time, they are also distinguished by high quality. The thickness of such products depends on the size of the male wrist. So, on a wide one, a massive decoration will look more appropriate. And skinny men should choose more elegant accessories.
Which one to choose?
Since there are now a huge number of different types of chains in jewelry stores, it can be difficult to make the right choice. If you have decided on the length and thickness of the chain, all that remains is to choose the type of weaving. The most popular options for men are:
- Anchor,
- Pantsirnoe,
- Lace,
- Bismarck,
- Figaro,
- Triple Chopard.
Each weave has its own subspecies. Basically, they differ in the number of links. The more rings intertwined with each other, the more massive the chain looks. It is also important to pay attention to the lock. It should open and close easily. Give preference to large carabiner locks. Practice has shown that these types of locks are the most reliable and strong. Do not forget that it is better to buy such jewelry in special stores, and not on the Internet or kiosks.
Do you wear gold chains?
Not really
For a chain to look beautiful, it must suit the man’s build and social status. Therefore, young guys should not buy very massive accessories. In order for the product to last for a long time, you need to give preference to jewelry made of gold, platinum and silver.
Metal and weaving
The main metals used to make men's chains - gold and silver - have remained consistently popular for many centuries. Gold items are versatile and elegant, able to emphasize status and fit into any look. For example, a product made of multi-colored gold will add success, and men who are more strapped for money can choose a lightweight option, in which the chain is visually perceived as massive and large, but will be light in weight.
Silver men's chains can be no less interesting, especially since today various types of processing of such products are available - rhodium plating, oxidation, blackening, engraving. A budget option is gilded silver jewelry, which in appearance is almost indistinguishable from gold. A beautiful and durable steel chain can emphasize your unbending strength and will.
The appearance of the decoration depends not only on the metal, but also on the weaving. The most popular, combining simplicity and expressiveness, include:
- Anchor, in which the links in the chain are connected perpendicularly. This decoration can be given to a teenager or young man no older than 20–22 years old.
- Armor weaving means that all the links of the chain are located in the same plane. Thanks to the special cutting of the elements, which gives the jewelry a bright shine, such a chain will appeal to a man who wants to emphasize his financial and social status.
How long is the accessory?
Everyone chooses the length of the accessory that he likes. Everyone has different tastes, some like the chain to fit tightly to the neck, while others, on the contrary, want it to hang on the chest. Basically, all manufacturers adhere to standard decoration length systems. The chain length must always be a multiple of five. This does not depend on what material the product is made from.
The length of the jewelry starts from 40 cm. The smallest sizes are 40, 45 cm. The next length reaches 50, 55 cm, this is considered the most universal size for any man. Even overweight men can choose this size. Longer chains have a length of 60, 65, 70, 75 cm. Such options are very rare in stores, since few people like to wear a very long accessory.
For reference! Long chains are suitable for those guys who want to wear amulets or talismans.
How to wear
The choice of product depends on the style of clothing and the circumstances of wearing. The cost of the chain should be commensurate with the cost of the clothing: for an expensive classic suit, you should choose an expensive gold or platinum chain. Thick products are worn in the evening, and they are not always appropriate in a classic look.
The choice of metal also depends on the style of clothing:
- bright gold chains look good with clothes of rich colors, but not necessarily bright ones;
- matte yellow and white gold look harmonious with clothes of any range;
- Rose gold models are best left for informal wear.
As a gift, it is better to choose gold chains made of white or yellow gold. Firstly, this is a classic option that suits both a formal suit and a casual style. Secondly, they are durable and not subject to corrosion.
As for the decor of chains, metal products without additional decorations remain a universal option. The fashion of recent seasons allows you to wear chains with pendants, which allows you to diversify your look. It is appropriate to wear pendants in a “masculine” style - crosses, skulls, sabers, keys, compasses, stars, anchors, various military paraphernalia, as well as zodiac signs.
Men's chains can be decorated with stones, but such models are suitable only for special occasions. Typically, products are decorated with dark or transparent stones - for example, diamonds or cubic zirconia.
Jewelry with a pendant is more suitable for casual and informal style
It is important to wear men's chains correctly:
- thin chains (thickness 2-3 mm) are appropriate only for teenagers, young men and thin, short men;
- products of medium thickness (4-5 mm) are the most optimal and universal choice, since they can be worn by men of all ages and sizes;
- massive chains (6-20 mm) are best worn solo - this is a status accessory that will become the main accent in the image;
- products with large links and voluminous weaving are appropriate for men of large build.
Silver or gold?
Gold chains are undoubtedly the leaders in the jewelry market. Products made from this precious metal are suitable for men of all ages; they are even given to babies. If you are choosing jewelry as a gift and don’t know what metal a man prefers, take gold, it’s a win-win!
Silver is cheaper, and therefore the demand for it is higher. Silver chains with their cool shine suit men and harmonize with any skin and hair color. Perhaps, only in rare cases may a silver chain not be suitable - if a man does not like this metal or if he constantly wears other gold jewelry (for example, a bracelet).
How to choose a chain size for a man? We decide on the length and thickness...
The diameter of the chain is determined by the proportions of your body. Remember that chains less than 3 mm thick are usually women's, so it is better to discard them immediately. The optimal thickness for an athletic man is 5-6 mm, but the more massive your torso is, the wider the chain should be.
The length of the chain depends on the width of your neck and whether you will be hanging a pendant on it. The length of men's chains starts from 50-55 cm (the chain lies at the level of the base of the collarbone). For chains with pendants and wearing under clothes, chains of 60 cm or more are required. Remember that short chains are suitable for work and sports, they should be thick; a medium-length accessory is more catchy - it is worn in an informal setting, sometimes over clothes.
How to care?
Each lady decides for herself: how and when to wear a chain. Some take it off when they come home, others do not want to part with the decoration even at night. But the chain still needs to be removed, since without proper care it will lose its attractiveness.
A well-maintained product will serve its owner for a very long time. It is necessary to protect the chain from exposure to any chemicals. If your jewelry is made of gold or platinum, this does not mean that it can be negatively affected by chemicals.
These metals do not oxidize and do not enter into chemical reactions, but aggressive agents will definitely not benefit your favorite jewelry.
Try to protect the chain from sudden temperature changes. This can lead to cracks in the metal and loss of its original shine.
The accessory must be cleaned periodically. It is carried out using a regular soap solution, to which you can add a few drops of ammonia. Simply dip the chain in this solution and then gently wipe with a dry cloth or small towel.
Types of weaving
On sale you can find different options for weaving men's chains. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Anchor
With this weaving, the links are arranged perpendicularly. They can have a round, oval or rectangular shape. The appearance of the accessory is similar to a ship's chain. Such chains are quite practical - if they get dirty, the jewelry can be easily cleaned. Most often, anchor chains are purchased for teenagers or young people under 30 years of age.
Venetian
The links of the chain consist of thin, but at the same time wide strips of metal. They look like a cube with two faces missing. These jewelry can highlight a man's status. Chains of this type can go well with business style clothing.
Pantsirnoe
Due to the fact that all the links of the chain are located in the same plane, the product has a very smooth surface. They are most often bought by adults, already established men. After all, they fit perfectly into a business image.
Career
Many experts call this weaving Figaro. The chain consists of oval and round links, which are arranged alternately. Such jewelry always has a tag indicating the number of long and short links. Usually they are bought by people of creative professions who want to stand out from the crowd.
Double diamond
The links of such chains are located either in one or in several rows. In addition, they all have a diamond shape. Almost all men can purchase such products. However, they are most suitable for those who prefer to engage in extreme sports.
Bismarck or "fox tail"
A chain with such weaving consists of several rows of round links that are fastened together in a certain way. They look best on men with a large build.
Products made from bronze look especially beautiful.
Types of weaving for men
Men's braiding is made from thick wire, with chunky links and a masculine style.
Anchor
It got its name because of its resemblance to an anchor chain. It is durable and easy to repair.
This is the simplest weaving, the links of which are connected perpendicular to each other. There are several types:
- classic anchor, consists of oval links and is used for chains with pendants;
- sea anchor, inside each oval there is a jumper in the middle. This makes the chain even stronger and more interesting;
- double anchor - one link consists of 2 rings.
Figaro
The second name is Cartier, because of the special love of the Cartier jewelry house for it. A distinctive feature of Figaro is the alternation of links of different shapes. One long + 3 short + one long and so on; one oval + 3 circles.
Rhombus
Diamond refers to armor weaving. The links are made in the shape of a diamond and are connected in twos or threes. The first 2 links are connected to each other in the middle, and the next 2 links are attached to their ends.
Cuts are made on the side surface of the link, which are ground to form a flat chain.
Design options
Chains can be quite different, for example, Orthodox or Muslim, rocker or elite, wide or thick. Thanks to this, each person can choose the most suitable option for themselves.
Rocker style
Chains in this style look quite massive. Products made of blackened metal are especially popular. Sometimes ordinary links are supplemented with either skulls or spikes. Gold items are very rare.
Typically, rockers prefer to buy chains made of silver, bronze or steel.
Orthodox style
Jewelry of this style is most often inconspicuous: with a cross or an icon. However, there are also quite massive chains. Accordingly, they are complemented with massive pendants or crosses.
Author chains
Such jewelry is classified as elite. They themselves are very beautiful and high quality. Accordingly, they are quite expensive. Typically, such jewelry is complemented with diamonds. Such decoration will immediately emphasize the status of a man. In addition, such a chain looks very elegant and noble on a man.
Thick or thin
The chain can be thick or thin. When choosing a specific option, you need to focus on your own preferences.
The features of the figure are also of great importance. Large people should choose more massive accessories. Slender men need to pay attention to more laconic accessories.
Material and color
As a rule, when making chains for men, the following materials are used:
- Gold. Gold chains are traditionally most popular among the stronger sex. This is due to the fact that this metal is not subject to oxidation, corrosion, and does not darken with water or over time. A gold chain is ideal for both a classic suit and a simple T-shirt with jeans in a casual style.
- If you don't really like traditional yellow gold, you can look at its other options: white and red. When making white gold, silver, platinum or palladium is added to the alloy; To obtain a red tint, copper is added. The most popular is 585 gold – jewelry made from it is characterized by increased durability, durability and beautiful color.
- Silver. A more budget-friendly, but no less stylish material for making men's chains. Goes just as well with any look as gold. Since silver is susceptible to oxidation, a special rhodium coating is often applied to the surface of the jewelry to add shine to the item or, conversely, it is “aged” by blackening it. Such chains can be cleaned a little less frequently than without coating, which is certainly an undeniable advantage;
- Platinum. Expensive, elite metal, which any man of status will appreciate. Outwardly, it looks a little like silver, but there are still differences. The main advantage of such decoration is its durability and high quality, the disadvantage is the high price;
- Tungsten carbide chains. If you want to give a truly timeless piece of jewelry, we recommend taking a closer look at men's tungsten carbide chains. This alloy has the highest strength; only diamond is harder than it! The coating of such jewelry can be subjected to numerous cleanings, polishing and physical impacts and will still remain in its original form. In addition, it is absolutely hypoallergenic, anyone can wear it, even with skin diseases;
- Copper chains. If you like gold but don't want to spend a large amount of money on gold jewelry, then choose a copper accessory. In addition to the fact that this metal looks very beautiful, it also has healing properties. Copper is known to promote healing of skin wounds and protect against viral infections. Therefore, your gift will not only be a stylish addition to your look, but will also help maintain your health;
- Stainless steel chains. Chains made of stainless steel or so-called stainless steel are becoming increasingly popular among men. What is it good for? Firstly, this material, as the name suggests, is not subject to corrosion and will serve you for a long time; secondly, such jewelry is characterized by a very low cost, which is also important. And thirdly, modern jewelry companies offer a fairly wide range of such chains, so you can easily choose an accessory to suit every taste;
- Chains made of Eloxal material. A fairly recently appeared type of jewelry. Eloxal is a jewelry alloy that imitates gold and silver. With its fairly high quality (it does not “fade”, unlike standard sprayed jewelry, and is not exposed to water, sun and salts) it has a very attractive price. Such chains are often sold by the meter. The variety of weaves and the ability to choose any length have a positive effect on the demand for these products.
Technological features of weaving
There are several weaving methods that allow you to create unique jewelry:
- Machine knitting is performed on modern equipment and is based on process automation. The latest technology makes it possible to weave jewelry whose links are less than a millimeter thick.
- Handwork is used in the manufacture of types of weaving that cannot be done on a machine. The minimum weight of handmade chains is from 6 grams. The impeccable quality of workmanship is determined by the degree of professionalism of the chain jeweler. The painstaking weaving of jewelry chains consists of winding gold or silver wire around a workpiece and cutting it into rings of the same size. The links are compressed using pliers. The connector of each link is soldered. Labor-intensive work is highly valued.
- The stamped chain is assembled from blanks. The links are threaded into one another without soldering. The finished decoration may become deformed, twisted and less durable.
Popular brands
The price and prestige of a piece of jewelry largely depends on its manufacturer. It's no secret that branded accessories are much more expensive than their mass-market counterparts. When choosing a gift for a man, don’t be lazy, look through various catalogs, compare prices, and the range of models offered. Let's take a look at a few popular jewelry brands:
- Cartier. Men's chains from the fashionable French house Cartier are distinguished by a unique, recognizable weaving: several small links, sequentially fastened together, are attached to a longer link, and so on throughout the entire length of the chain. The beautiful diamond cut adds shine to the piece. A brand original from Cartier can be made of three types of gold or platinum;
- Sunlight. Italian manufacturer of men's silver chains. There are stores of this brand in many cities of Russia. In the retail outlets of this jewelry chain you can find jewelry for almost every taste and budget;
- Bvlgari. This world famous Italian brand was founded in 1884. Now it is one of the largest luxury jewelry manufacturers. Bvlgari jewelry is beautiful, exclusive, each unique in its own way and designed to emphasize the individuality and refined taste of its owner. Most often, yellow gold is used in production;
- Spikes. An American brand of stylish jewelry made using medical steel, titanium, and tungsten carbide. The men's chains provided by this brand are perfect for gifts - at a fairly affordable price, their wear resistance is much higher than average. Such jewelry looks very stylish, will suit any look and will delight the owner for many, many years;
- Steel Rage. Unusual two-color Steel Rage chains with three-layer gold plating are also worthy of your attention. Men who value interesting, high-quality accessories will be able to appreciate this bright, original product. The price will also pleasantly surprise you.
The difference between full and hollow chains
- When choosing a chain, you will pay attention to the difference in weight of jewelry of the same length and volume. Regardless of what type of weaving is used, the chains can be: Hollow - these are chains that combine lightness and volume. They are made of wire that is hollow inside and have a low weight and differ in external thickness. Complex decorative types of weaving provide them with solidity, and the affordable price explains their popularity.
- Full-weight chains, while visually similar, are heavier than hollow ones, and the cost is higher. If you have a desire to have jewelry that is resistant to deformation, comfortable to wear and durable, a full-weight chain will answer all your needs.
- Snakes are distinguished by their round cross-section, and got their name due to their resemblance to plastic snakes, from the English snake - snake. The elements of unusual twisting are connected in series, and the product is very durable.
How to choose?
Having decided to purchase such a piece of jewelry for a man, you need to pay attention to some details. For example, if a pendant is purchased for a chain, it must be made of the same material as the chain itself. In addition, everything must also match in color. In addition, you need to buy a suspension that weighs 2 times less.
It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the man. The larger they are, the more massive the chain should be. The thickness of a classic men's chain is 5-7 millimeters. Thinner jewelry is worth buying for teenagers or thin men.
Another criterion that you need to pay attention to is the style of clothing. If a person plays sports, you need to take a closer look at small-sized jewelry, which also has a flat weave. Their length should be between 50-55 centimeters.
Those who like to show off beautiful products should choose longer chains. If necessary, they can be hidden under the collar of a shirt or under a sweater. Medium-length chains are suitable for creative men. In addition, they can be supplemented with stones.
Most popular chains
This weaving was invented for heavy chains weighing more than 100 grams, but it turned out to be too beautiful and practical to remain aside. So this method began to be used for the production of thin light chains. It can be made either manually or using machinery. By the way, Bismarck weaving is especially popular in Russia.
This weaving is often called “Byzantine” and “Royal” - and all options are correct. The ornate interweaving of rings makes it one of the most beautiful and feminine weaves. Of course, this also affects the strength - such a chain will withstand heavy pendants.
Fox tail chain weaving is often equated to Byzantine chain weaving. But even at first glance, the difference is striking. “Fox tail” - weaving is more smooth and dense. Its links fit into a strong chain like a puzzle. A thick chain of this type of weaving cannot be broken by hand.
You can guess its name from the appearance of the chain. Weaving differs sharply from others in the fastening of the links - in a “rope” they are tightly connected to each other and twisted with a rope. This feature makes the chain strong and allows you to wear heavy pendants and crosses. At the same time, it turns out to be so self-sufficient and elegant that it can be worn without additional pendants.
The exceptionally feminine Rose or Courage weave is impressive. Its details in the form of buds are made not of simple links, but of spiral ones. Due to this design, the chain looks voluminous and airy, but in fact has good strength.
“Caprice” or “Python” is another type of durable weaving. Most often it is done manually. It is one of the few chains that can be worn independently without additional accessories. Beautiful, laconic, airy.
Popular brands
Many companies produce jewelry. However, the most popular among them are manufacturers such as Baraka and Cartier.
Baraka
Just one glance at the jewelry of this famous brand is enough to immediately want to buy it for yourself. After all, there are very interesting interweavings of links here, and there are also various combinations of noble metals. In addition, some exclusive chains are decorated with diamonds or zircons. However, the highlight of jewelry from Italian manufacturers is the clasp inlaid with precious stones.
All products have a stylish and solid appearance. In addition, each of them has the mark of a given brand. There are several stores in Russia where you can purchase Baraka products.
Cartier
If a man has jewelry from this brand, this indicates his good taste. All products from Cartier are made in a certain style, which is characteristic only of this company. Chains are made from various golds: white, yellow, and red. In some cases they can be combined. Many models are made with onyx, diamond, black enamel inserts or other decorative additions.
In addition, it is worth noting that all products are made by hand. For example, you can order a chain with your initials engraved on one or more links.
This product will be a wonderful gift for your beloved man.
Secrets of mastery
There are four main technologies for producing hollow chains:
- Wrapping
On a chain knitting machine, the iron core is wrapped with a gold plate, and the links are soldered using an open flame. This method produces the heaviest, but not very high-quality hollow chains. The appearance of chains (especially armored and anchor weaving) is spoiled by the folds of metal that form when winding the wire on a needle.
- Cladding
Two plates, made of gold and metal, are “tightly” bonded to each other at high temperatures under high pressure. Then the resulting sheet is rolled, cut into strips, which are rolled into tubes. It is important to maintain geometric proportions and correct orientation when feeding wire to the chain knitting machine. In general, the production cycle is long and complex. Gold chains are characterized by high quality and excellent weight-to-length ratio.
- Hitch
A core of a certain profile is wrapped with a gold plate on a special machine, which allows solder to be placed inside during the process of twisting the plate (it is necessary for further soldering of the links). The chain obtained in this way is of good quality. This technology is by far the most common due to its ease of implementation.
- Window system
In such chains there is absolutely no gap for etching. The wire consists of three concentric layers: a gold core, a middle layer of base metal, and a top layer of standard gold alloy. To allow acid to penetrate, windows are milled into the links. The popularization of this method is hampered by the complexity of producing the starting wire and the increase in etching time.
Material of manufacture
Different types of gold are used for men's accessories. The most common is yellow. The familiar yellow color speaks of high cost and exclusivity. Very often, men choose inexpensive gold-dyed jewelry. However, gold-plated chains do not last long for men and very soon lose their original appearance.
The second most popular type of gold is white. White color can be given by three metals that are used as impurities. This is platinum, palladium or nickel. The most expensive is considered to be a chain made of white gold based on platinum. It is characterized by strength and durability, unlike products made with nickel.
Nickel significantly reduces the cost of a gold accessory, and can also cause allergies and, as a result, a rash.
Standard standards for gold jewelry: 375, 500, 585, 750 and 958. But most often in jewelry stores, 585 and 750 samples are presented.
How to choose a chain for a man?
When choosing a chain for a man, you need to consider not only what pendant to wear it with, but also the appearance of the future owner. The larger the man, the more massive the chain can be. The choice of thickness and length depends on the desire of the owner, but a chain that is too thin on a man’s neck will be somewhat inappropriate. The average thickness of a men's chain is approximately 4-6 mm. The length of the chain depends on individual preferences, as well as height and build. Many men choose a chain that rests loosely at the base of the neck and is visible from under an open shirt collar. If a man is of average build, then the minimum length of such a chain will be no more than 50-55 cm. Usually chains with a cross are chosen a little longer - 60 cm or more. Wearing a cross is supposed to be on the body, and it is not at all necessary that it be visible. Pendants should match the impressive appearance of the chain. For example, a cross, amulets or other jewelry on a large chain should also be large. There is a rule that the weight of the pendant should be approximately one third of the weight of the chain. The colors of the chain and pendant should match, although contrasting solutions are also possible when 2-3 colors of metal are used inside the pendant itself. For sporty and business style, stylists recommend short chains. Among men in creative professions, medium-length chains are common. It is preferable to wear such chains on clothing. The massiveness of the chain is achieved by the thickness of the metal from which it is made and various weaving details. Usually, on men of large build, chains with voluminous and intricate weaving are harmoniously combined. In fact, chains can be either voluminous and embossed, or simple and smooth.
Which metal is better to choose? Gold, silver, steel, and in rare cases platinum are used for men's chains. Gold chains emphasize the status of the owner and demonstrate success. There may be chains with multi-colored gold. But there is no point in buying overly heavy, thick gold chains if you are not a prominent representative of the creative professions. Very little time has passed since 1990. Elements of style from the 90s are already appearing in modern fashion, but thick gold chains can still cause more dubious impressions. Then in the 1990s, chains quickly gained weight. These jewelry were worn by people who did not deserve respect, so the 200-gram chains became a kind of symbol of bulls from the 90s. Then 200 grams was not the limit, but rather the beginning of serious decoration. There were specimens weighing 500-800 grams and even a kilogram or more.
Affordable jewelry Less expensive, but seemingly voluminous and impressive, are “hollow” gold chains. But this is also their disadvantage, since if the link is not carefully bent, breakage may occur. Unfortunately, it will be very difficult to restore such a chain. Gilded silver chains. Their cost is significantly lower than gold ones, but they will look beautiful. The main thing is to purchase such a chain from a manufacturer with a reliable reputation, since the layer of gold applied to the silver surface should not be too thin. Silver chains. If a thick gold chain can cause dubious associations, then with silver it is easier. Silver chains were not popular with the bulls of the 90s. This may be why silver chains, even to this day, enjoy priority over solid gold chains. And silver has always been valued in Rus'. White, pure and beautiful metal, like the personification of a snowy Russian winter. Jewelry designers offer various options for processing silver chains. For example, rhodium coating, which adds shine, oxidation, blackening, engraving. Caring for such chains will be much easier. Steel chains. They have become very popular lately. These chains evoke associations with masculinity, strength and will. In addition, the steel chain is a kind of protest against traditional jewelry values and luxury. At the same time, a steel chain can look even more stylish than gold jewelry if the whole image is harmonious and thoughtful.
How to determine the optimal length of a chain for a man’s neck yourself
- Take the lace and wrap it around your neck so that it fits snugly, but does not dangle or put pressure on you. Remove the lace and measure the resulting length. Multiply the result by 2 - this will be the optimal chain length for you if you wear it as a separate piece of jewelry. If you want to wear a cross or pendant on a chain, add 5-10 cm to the resulting value.
- Stand in front of a mirror, take the lace and wrap it around your neck so that it lies as you like. Do you want the chain to be just below the neck? Tie the string at this height. Do you like longer jewelry? Secure the lace below. Then remove the lace and measure the resulting length - take this into account when choosing a chain in the store.
- You can measure the length of the finished product if you like how it looks on you. A soft tape measure or regular tape is suitable for measuring - whatever you have on hand. Important: when measuring the length, do not take into account the lock.
Size-ratio table
There are two sizing systems:
- Letter , where different girth values correspond to certain letters. This system is used by jewelry brands in Europe and Asia.
- Numerical system , where each range of lengths corresponds to a specific number. Russian manufacturers use both a numerical and alphabetic system.
INTERNATIONAL SIZE | BRACELET LENGTH CENTIMETERS INCHES | RUSSIAN SIZE | |
M | 17,1 — 18,4 | 6,75 — 7,25 | 2 |
L | 18,4 — 19,7 | 7,25 — 7,75 | 3 |
XL | 19,7 — 21,0 | 7,75 — 8,25 | 4 |
XXL | 21,0 — 22,5 | 8,25 — 8,85 | 5 |